LONDON — Britain’s most-senior Catholic cleric resigned his position yesterday, 24 hours after
allegations against him by four priests of “inappropriate behavior” dating back 30 years were
published in a national newspaper.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the Catholic primate of Scotland, contested the allegations and is
reported to be seeking legal advice, but in a surprise move he said he would be stepping down
immediately as archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh.

He also said he would not participate in the election of the successor to Pope Benedict XVI.
Elevated to cardinal in 2003, O’Brien would have been Britain’s only representative at the conclave
next month that will elect the next pope, following Benedict’s resignation. Although he stepped
down as archbishop, O’Brien remains a cardinal.

The cardinal’s statement made no mention of the allegations against him. But, he said: “I also
ask God’s blessing on my brother cardinals who will soon gather in Rome to elect his successor. I
will not join them for this conclave in person. I do not wish media attention in Rome to be focused
on me — but rather on Pope Benedict XVI and on his successor.”

His approach contrasted with that of Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, who flew to Rome over
the weekend and has said he intends to participate in the conclave, despite having been rebuked by
his successor, Archbishop Jose Gomez, over his role in handling sexual-abuse cases by priests.
Mahony blogged on Sunday about Benedict’s final Sunday “Angelus” blessing at St. Peter’s Square,
implying that he attended.

According to a report Sunday in the
Observer, three priests and one former priest complained to the Vatican representative in
Britain, Antonio Mennini, of unspecified “inappropriate behavior” and “inappropriate contact” by O’B
rien in the 1980s when he served as their spiritual director while they were seminarians. Further
episodes occurred, they said, after he was made a bishop.

O’Brien is known for his outspoken condemnation, in line with Catholic doctrine, of abortion,
gay marriage and gay adoption, but in an interview with the BBC on Friday he hinted at favoring
abandoning the vow of celibacy.

“There was a time when priests got married, and of course we know at the present time in some
branches of the church — in some branches of the Catholic church — priests can get married, so that
is obviously not of divine origin and it could get discussed again.”

O’Brien’s resignation is another blow to the Catholic Church, which is in turmoil
internationally over issues including child sexual abuse; internal corruption following revelations
in documents released by Pope Benedict’s former butler; and recently disclosed mismanagement of
church funds by the Vatican bank.

It comes just days ahead of Pope Benedict’s resignation, which will take place on Thursday,
triggering the
sede vacante period when the Catholic Church lacks a leader until a new pope is
elected.